Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 1,700 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 21% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Fill out defective equipment reports.
AI could do much of this on its own
Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
AI could do much of this on its own
Organize schedules for refuse collection.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Very similar workslightly less pay6,874 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$63,406 vs your $66,371 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Static Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Far Vision
- Mechanical
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Transportation
- Rate Control
- Response Orientation
- Spatial Orientation
Crane and Tower Operators
Similar work+32% pay131 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 32% more—$87,725 vs your $66,371 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Far Vision
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Depth Perception
- Control Precision
- Building and Construction
- Rate Control
- Design
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Similar work+13% pay401 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 13% more—$75,073 vs your $66,371 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Multilimb Coordination
- Static Strength
- Far Vision
- Reaction Time
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- Problem Sensitivity
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Somewhat similar work+25% pay1,580 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 25% more—$83,178 vs your $66,371 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Far Vision
- Static Strength
New skills to build
- Control Precision
- Operation and Control
- Depth Perception
- Rate Control
- Building and Construction